When the New Constitution Enters Into Force

1 July 2026 – following the referendum of 15 March 2026, at which citizens voted 'Yes'. Until then, the 1995 Constitution remained in force. The transitional period (16 March – 30 June): all institutions continue operating, constitutional laws are drafted, and elections to the Kurultai are prepared.

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Key dates

Event Date
Referendum 15 March 2026
Official result announced by the CEC By 22 March 2026
Transitional period 16 March – 30 June
Entry into force 1 July 2026
Elections to the Kurultai Within 2 months after 1 July

What happens during the transitional period

  • The 1995 Constitution remains in force until 1 July
  • The Mazhilis and Senate continue their work
  • The Government, courts, and Constitutional Court – without interruption
  • Constitutional laws for the new institutions are drafted
  • Elections to the Kurultai are prepared (168 seats: 145 elected + 23 appointed)

What happens on 1 July

  • The new Constitution enters into force
  • The 1995 Constitution ceases to have effect
  • Laws that contradict the new Constitution are brought into conformity within one year
  • The Mazhilis and Senate continue operating until the Kurultai is elected

If the vote is 'No' or turnout is below 50%

Nothing enters into force. The 1995 Constitution remains. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year.

The date of 1 July is fixed in the new Constitution. The transitional period is not a vacuum but a standard legal mechanism.

→ Full text of the 2026 Constitution · 1995 Constitution (previous)

Key facts

  • Entry into force – 1 July 2026 (if the 'Yes' vote wins on 15 March)
  • Transitional period – 3.5 months; all institutions operate without interruption
  • Kurultai elections (168 seats) – within 2 months after 1 July
  • Laws are brought into conformity with the new Constitution within one year
Related questions

How the Constitution Protects the Right to Education and Health

Free secondary education is compulsory for all. The Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) is provided free of charge. The 2026 Constitution adds: the secular character of education becomes a constitutional norm (religious propaganda in schools is unconstitutional); and environmental protection and health are linked at the constitutional level.

How the Relationship Between International Treaties and National Laws Will Change

Previously, ratified international treaties took precedence over Kazakhstan's laws. In future, treaties and laws will be on the same level, with the Constitution above everything. Kazakhstan is not leaving international organisations, but the automatic priority of external norms over domestic law is removed. The same approach is used by the US, UK, and Russia (since 2020).

What the Constitution Says About Property and Business

The Constitution guarantees private property and freedom of enterprise. Seizure of property is permitted only by court order and with equivalent compensation at market value. The ban on selling land to foreigners is retained. The 2026 Constitution adds environmental obligations for business at the constitutional level.

What the New Constitution Changes for an Ordinary Person

Constitutional change does not usually transform daily life overnight, but it can significantly affect how rights are protected, how public authority is exercised, how local participation works, and how the state interacts with citizens over time.